City Hall, Tallinn

Name: City Hall
Address: Raekoja plats 1, Tallinn, 10146, Estonia
Telephone: +372 645 7900

#11 among attractions in Tallinn

City hall, Gothic architecture, Top attraction, Architecture

Gallery (13)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Ralf Roletschek / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Diego Delso / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Hedwig Storch / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / WanderingTrad / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / Panoramio upload bot / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Diego Delso / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Hedwig Storch / URL

Facts and practical information

Tallinn's City Hall, an architectural jewel in the heart of Estonia's capital, is the only surviving Gothic town hall in Northern Europe and a testament to Tallinn's rich medieval history. Built in the 13th century and completed in its current form in the early 15th century, the City Hall (Raekoda in Estonian) has been a symbol of power and pride for the city of Tallinn for centuries.

The building's distinctive façade, adorned with a weather vane in the form of an old warrior called "Old Thomas," has become one of the city's most recognizable icons. Old Thomas has stood as a guardian of the city since 1530 and is a beloved figure in local folklore.

The interior of Tallinn City Hall is equally impressive, with its grand council chamber, vaulted ceilings, and intricate wood carvings. The hall's historical ambiance is palpable, transporting visitors back to a time when Tallinn was a thriving Hanseatic trade hub.

Today, Tallinn City Hall is not only a monument to the past but also a venue for concerts, exhibitions, and receptions, reflecting the city's blend of historical reverence and contemporary culture. Its main hall, with excellent acoustics, is particularly sought after for classical music performances.

Open to the public during the summer months, visitors can explore the building's architecture and decor, including the City Council Chamber and the City Hall Pharmacy, which is one of the oldest continuously running pharmacies in Europe.

The City Hall also features a tower, which offers a panoramic view of Tallinn's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and beyond. The climb up the narrow staircase is rewarded with a unique perspective of the city's rooftops and spires against the backdrop of the Gulf of Finland.

Local name: Tallinna raekoda Completed: 1404 (620 years ago)Architectural style: GothicCoordinates: 59°26'13"N, 24°44'43"E

Address

Raekoja plats 1Kesklinn (Vanalinn)Tallinn 10146 Estonia

Contact

+372 645 7900

Website

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Tallinn

Day trips

City Hall – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Toompea, Danish King's Garden, Museum of Applied Art and Design, City Museum.

~630 ftW
Landmark hill and government building site
Toompea, Tallinn
4 min walk • Toompea Hill, a limestone plateau that rises above the city of Tallinn, Estonia, is a site steeped in legend and history. Dominating the city's skyline, Toompea is not just a geographical feature but the historic heart of the Estonian capital.
~970 ftSW
Park, Garden, View point
Danish King's Garden, Tallinn
5 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Tallinn's medieval Old Town, the Danish King's Garden (Taani Kuninga Aed) is an oasis of tranquility and a window into Estonia's rich history. This serene park, hidden behind ancient walls and accessible through narrow cobbled streets, is...
~980 ftN
Museum
Museum of Applied Art and Design, Tallinn
5 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Tallinn, the Museum of Applied Art and Design stands as a testament to Estonia's rich cultural tapestry. This museum, dedicated to the celebration and preservation of design and craftsmanship, offers an intimate look into the evolution of...
~790 ftNE
Museum
City Museum, Tallinn
4 min walk • Tucked away in the heart of Tallinn's picturesque Old Town, the City Museum offers a journey through the rich tapestry of the city's history. Housed within a beautifully restored medieval dwelling, the museum is a treasure trove of artifacts and stories that paint a...
~630 ftSW
Art museum in a restored medieval church
St. Nicholas Church, Tallinn
4 min walk • St. Nicholas Church, a stunning example of medieval architecture, stands as a historic beacon in the heart of Tallinn, Estonia. This sacred edifice, originally built in the 13th century, was dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron of sailors and fishermen.
~130 ftW
Shopping, Christmas market, Market
Jõuluturg, Tallinn
1 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Tallinn's medieval Old Town, the Jõuluturg, or Christmas Market, is a festive wonder that transforms the historic Town Hall Square into a winter wonderland each year. As the chill of winter settles over Estonia, the market emerges as a beacon...
~420 ftN
Ancient church with an artful clock
Church of the Holy Spirit, Tallinn
3 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Tallinn's Old Town, the Church of the Holy Spirit is a remarkable landmark that exudes historical significance and architectural beauty. This medieval church is distinguished by its Gothic structure and is renowned for its intricate interior...
~510 ftN
Gothic architecture, Museum, Vernacular architecture
Great Guild, Tallinn
3 min walk • The Great Guild Hall, nestled in the heart of Tallinn's Old Town, is a historical gem that offers visitors a glimpse into the city's rich medieval past. Established as the central hub for the Great Guild—a powerful association of merchant and craft guilds—this...
~250 ftS
Museum
Tallinn Museum of Orders of Knighthood, Tallinn
2 min walk • The Tallinn Museum of Orders of Knighthood is a private museum of history and culture in Tallinn, Estonia. The main focus of the museum is the history of orders of knighthood and merit from all over the world.
~740 ftN
Concerts and shows, Theater, Vernacular architecture
House of the Blackheads, Tallinn
4 min walk • House of the Blackheads, or House of the Brotherhood of Black Heads, in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a former headquarters of the Brotherhood of Blackheads.
~600 ftNW
Museum, Specialty museum, Theater
NUKU Theatre, Tallinn
3 min walk • NUKU Theatre is an Estonian theatre located in Tallinn. The institution focuses on puppetry. It is currently the only professional puppet and visual theatre in Estonia. The theatre was founded in 1952 by Ferdinand Veike and has been directed by Joonas Tartu since 2013. The theatre building is also home to a puppetry museum.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to City Hall?

Nearby attractions include Tallinn Legends, Tallinn (1 min walk), Vanalinn, Tallinn (1 min walk), Jõuluturg, Tallinn (1 min walk), Raekoja plats, Tallinn (1 min walk).

How to get to City Hall by public transport?

The nearest stations to City Hall:

Bus

Viru • Lines: 108, 129, 14E, 18, 18A, 20, 20A, 21, 21B, 36, 40, 41, 41B, 48, 5, 73 (6 min walk)
Vabaduse väljak • Lines: 108, 11E, 129, 14E, 16, 17, 17A, 18, 18A, 20, 20A, 21, 21B, 22, 23, 24, 24A, 36, 40, 41, 41B, 42, 46E, 48, 5, 73, 9E (8 min walk)

Tram

Viru • Lines: 3, 4 (6 min walk)
Vabaduse väljak • Lines: 3, 4 (8 min walk)

Trolleybus

Vabaduse väljak • Lines: T1, T3 (8 min walk)
Balti jaam • Lines: T4, T5 (9 min walk)

Light rail

Tallinn Baltic station • Lines: Elron Aegviidu --> Tallinn, Elron Kloogaranna --> Tallinn, Elron Paldiski --> Tallinn, Elron Riisipere --> Tallinn, Elron Tallinn --> Aegviidu, Elron Tallinn --> Kloogaranna, Elron Tallinn --> Paldiski, Elron Tallinn --> Riisipere (10 min walk)
Lilleküla • Lines: Elron Kloogaranna --> Tallinn, Elron Paldiski --> Tallinn, Elron Riisipere --> Tallinn, Elron Tallinn --> Kloogaranna, Elron Tallinn --> Paldiski, Elron Tallinn --> Riisipere (27 min walk)

Ferry

Tallinn • Lines: Tallink (26 min walk)